The European Union (EU) in collaboration with Yobe State Government; has taken the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to communities. The over 170 communities are to be sensitized overcome the challenges of violence against women and children. Yobe’s EU Managing Conflict team leader, Abdulkadir Sambo, disclosed this at the weekend in Damaturu to mark the 16-day activism against gender-based violence (GBV). “About 268 cases were recorded at the Mother and Child Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Damaturu between January and November this year,” he said. According to him, various mechanisms must be adopted to the implement holistic approach communities suspected of violence against women and children.
He said: “Fighting GBV is not a short term exercise,” adding that it has to be casketed into communities and ensure it does not affect the victims.” Sambo therefore queried that; “We’re to make sure when it happens. What do they do? Where do they go and where can they access services?” That is why the State’s Ministry of Justice, police, traditional rulers and the civil society organizations (CSOs) are engaged whenever there are cases. He said the justice system must be strengthened for the victims and their families in each and every community.
Responding, the District Head of Pompomari ward, Alhaji Zanna Lawan lamented that the increase in cases has become a great concerN to both community leaders and parents. “This also what informed the Emir of Damaturu, Baba Shehu Hashimi Ibn Umar El-Kanemi to seriously take up violence against women and children,” he said, noting that the sensitization has impacted positively to exposed perpetrators of GBV. Alhaji Zanna Lawan, the District Head of Pompomari, one of the community worst hit by SGBV disclosed that the increase in the cases has become a great concern which informed the Emir of Damaturu to charge is wards to take up the GBV with all sorts of seriousness.
